Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just acquired an injured Jackson's Chameleon from a pet store that I work at. A customer had purchased the Chameleon, whom I call Fly, about two weeks ago and yesturday they had brought him back because he had stopped eating, and his back legs were limb. When I removed him from the box, he was literally half green and half black- from about waist down. I rushed him to a very respectable reptile veterinarian in my area, and he told me that he believes that Fly had trauma to his hind quarters and that he could possibly walk again and/or have a good life, with lots of extra care, he said the best thing to do is to adopt him out. So I took Fly home. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how I could help this little bugger. I know, that Jackson's are one of the hardest Chameleons to keep, as they stress out easy. To be honest with you, I don't know how much more this little guy can be stressed. I have only had him since yesturday, and he mainly lays in the cage and sleeps. I have taken him out a few times to check up on him. The grip on his front legs is very strong, he never wants to let go. But he mainly sits with his eyes closed. I put some Phoenix worms in a cup to see if he may become interested, we shall see. But he hasn't eaten yet, and I wasn't sure if I should worry about it or just let him relax for a few days. Does anyone have a suggestion for me?

He sounds in very bad shape. When chams are close to death they lose nerve control of their skin layers, often showing large odd patches of color on unrelated areas of the body. But, you say his legs are limp too, so this is also a sign of major trauma, maybe spinal. I know bruises on chams show up as dark patches, and bruises do heal. But, with bruises they usually have muscle control. If his eyes are shut he won't eat or drink, and even if he does may not be able to process and pass anything through his gut depending on where the damage is. The food may just sit undigested in the intestine and cause its own problems. Force feeding may just add to his stress and fear. Could the vet do an xray to see if there is physical damage to the spine? It might tell you if he's got any chance of recovery. If he won't be able to move his hind legs chances are he won't be able to process food either, and I would have the vet euthanize him. He might be in a lot of pain now. Sorry about this!